Throwmax legality

Question
Mark, you recently answered a question regarding the Thowmax training device and it being used in a game by a pitcher.

Wouldn't this fall under Rule 3 - Section 7 which states:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ASA reserves the right to withhold or withdraw approval of any equipment which, in the ASA's sole determination, significantly changes the character of the game, affects the safety of participants or spectators, or renders a player's performance more a product of the player's equipment rather than the player's individual skill.

I own a Throwmax that I've used as a training aid with my daughter and other pitcher's who "short-arm" their delivery, so I'm familiar with the device. While the Throwmax is worn (for underhand pitching), the pitcher is essentially unable to bend her arm more than a few degrees. This makes it impossible to throw overhand and would prevent the wearer from properly protecting herself with her throwing hand.

Therefore, I feel that it affects the player's safety and renders the player's performance more a product of the equipment.

Answer
Hi Mark,

"Therefore, I feel that it affects the player's safety and renders the player's performance more a product of the equipment."....Mark, it may, you could be absolutely correct, I have never seen one BUT as a tournie UIC or umpire I have to rule if it's legal for play based on the rules and directions from ASA that I have.  

Rule 3-7 states ASA, not an umpire or tournie UIC.

I wrote the MI UIC after the last question on the throwmax.  Here's what he told me.

Mark,
 To my knowledge, it is just an arm brace. I have not
seen one other than the web to check out what it is. I
don't know of a good reason not to allow it.
We allow knee braces. Knee braces are different since
they usually are used to help, strenghten a body part
that is already weak. This device helps keep the arm
in a position to pitch better. It may be used more to
prevent an injury. I would guess it might be more
beneficial to a baseball player since their throw is
more abnormal. The softball pitching motion puts less
torque on the arm

Neither ASA or MASA have issued any statements on the
device.
I will let you know if they do.

Gary

So unless and until ASA tells us umpires that it is illegal....it is legal, I have no reason or rule(that would be upheld on protest) to disallow it.

Mark